'Two important strikers missing' - Galatasaray coach admits losing influential player Osimhen is a blow

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted that losing key center forward Victor Osimhen is a significant blow ahead of their Europa League match against Malmö.

The Nigeria national teamer will not be included in the gameday squad to face Malmo on Thursday due to a muscle injury he suffered in the Turkish Super Lig encounter against Sivasspor last weekend.

Galatasaray are facing an injury crisis in attack ahead of the Europa League fixture, with three other forwards set to miss out in addition to Osimhen.

Joining Osimhen in the Galatasaray treatment room are striker Mauro Icardi and wingers Bariş Alper and Ismail Jakobs.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year has been Galatasaray's most influential player since his loan move from Napoli in September 2024, with the Lion yet to taste defeat in the thirteen games he has played. 

Galatasaray are topping the Super Lig table with 38 points, six more than bitter rivals Fenerbahce, and are well placed to advance to the round of sixteen of the Europa League.

At Wednesday's pre-match press conference, Okan Buruk showed faith in his players, believing they will perform well despite the absence of Osimhen and the other injured players.

In quotes relayed by Fotbollskanalen, he said: "We have few wingers and two important strikers missing.

"We have other strong players and a strong starting lineup. We have few wingers and two important strikers gone. 

"But I know that the other players will do everything they can for the team."

Osimhen has scored ten goals in a Galatasaray shirt, including three in four appearances in the Europa League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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